Glen Campbell sings for 'Hope' fundraiser

Photo for the Tribune by Yvette Marie Dostatni

Lindsay Albert, Trevor Albert, Jane Seymour and Howard Fillit at the "Hope on the Horizon" dinner to benefit Alzheimer's research at the Art Institute of Chicago on Monday November 5, 2012 in Chicago, Il.

Lindsay Albert, Trevor Albert, Jane Seymour and Howard Fillit at the "Hope on the Horizon" dinner to benefit Alzheimer's research at the Art Institute of Chicago on Monday November 5, 2012 in Chicago, Il. (Photo for the Tribune by Yvette Marie Dostatni)

Candace JordanSpecial to Tribune Newspapers

The Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation hosted its inaugural "Hope on the Horizon" dinner Nov. 5 at the Art Institute of Chicago with more than 300 patrons. Chairs Nancy and Steven Crown and Leonard Lauder welcomed guests for an evening that featured entertainment legend Glen Campbell, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2011.

The evening began with a reception in the Terzo Piano restaurant, followed by dinner in Griffin Court.

Dr. Howard Fillit, ADDF executive director and chief science officer, explained the mission of the organization and gave a progress report on the development of Alzheimer's drugs.

"Everyone's mission should be to find prevention and a cure for Alzheimer's. That should be project No. 1 on everyone's agenda," he said. "I'm in love with Chicago. Chicago is where my soul is."

Filmmakers James Keach (Seymour's husband) and Trevor Albert shared a video preview of a documentary they are filming that chronicles Campbell's "Farewell Tour" and his battle with Alzheimer's. "We found ourselves uplifted after spending time with Glen and his family, and hopefully this film will be a call to action," said Albert.

Campbell performed with his children Ashley and Shannon, and delighted the crowd with his memorable hits "Southern Nights," "Gentle on My Mind" and "Wichita Lineman." He closed with "A Better Place," a song from his 2011 album, "Ghost on the Canvas," and the crowd responded with a standing ovation.

Nancy Lynn, ADDF executive director and chief operating officer, said, "We are so pleased that proceeds from this evening, $1.5 million, will be used to support drug research in Chicago and the surrounding area, and we look forward to returning next year."

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers